Reading the Bible is an important way to connect with God. Before we begin, it is good to pray. There are times when studying the Bible can be a problem due to lack of understanding. The Bible is a spiritual and to make the most of reading it, we have to pray before reading the Bible.
This article contains prayers to say before reading the Bible. They are prayers that are going to open your heart and cause you to understand what you are about to read. Aside from just understanding, the Word of God is supposed to bear fruits in our lives and these prayers capture all the aspects of this.
Prayers to Say Before Reading the Bible
You should say these prayers sincerely before you read the Bible:
Heavenly Father, guide me as I read Your Word today. Show me the meaning of the verses and how they apply to my life. Help me to see what You want me to see.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
This prayer asks God to guide us through His Word. Just as a lamp shows the way in the dark, the Bible shows us the right path in life. When we pray for guidance, we are asking God to lead us, not just while reading, but in how we live out His teachings.
Lord, open my mind to understand what I read. Help me to learn and gain wisdom from Your Word. Teach me something new today.
“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45).
After His resurrection, Jesus helped His disciples understand the Scriptures. This prayer reminds us that we also need God’s help to truly grasp what we are reading. Without God’s help, the Bible can feel confusing or difficult. But when we pray for understanding, God opens our hearts and minds to see the deeper truths.
Lord, help me to focus as I read the Bible. Remove distractions and let my heart be still. Keep my thoughts from wandering.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Distractions can make it hard to focus on God’s Word. This prayer asks God to help us be still and attentive. It reminds us that spending time with God requires us to pause from the busyness of life and focus solely on Him.
Lord, make my heart soft and teachable. Help me to accept Your truth and let it change me. Remove any pride or stubbornness from me.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Sometimes, our hearts can be closed to God’s teaching. When we pray this prayer, we are asking God to make us humble and willing to learn. When we have a “heart of flesh,” we are open to correction and willing to change according to God’s will.
Lord, give me wisdom as I read Your Word. Help me to understand how to apply it in my life. Let Your wisdom guide my decisions.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
The Bible is full of wisdom, but we need God’s help to apply it correctly. When we pray for wisdom, we ask God to show us how to live according to His Word. This prayer reminds us that God is ready to give wisdom to those who ask.
Lord, reveal hidden truths to me as I read the Bible. Help me to see beyond the words and understand Your deeper message. Let Your Word speak to my heart.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
The Bible contains layers of meaning, and sometimes God reveals new truths to us as we read. This prayer asks God to show us things we might not notice on our own. It reminds us that reading the Bible is not just about knowledge, but about hearing God’s voice.
Lord, help me to obey what I read in Your Word. Let it shape my actions and choices. Give me strength to follow Your commands.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
It is not enough to read the Bible; we must live it out. This prayer asks God to help us act on what we learn. It reminds us that true obedience comes from understanding and applying God’s Word in our daily lives.
Lord, let Your Word help me grow spiritually. Make me stronger in faith and closer to You. Let my life reflect Your love.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
The Bible is like food for our soul. Just as babies need milk to grow, we need God’s Word to grow in our faith. This prayer asks God to use His Word to strengthen us and make us more like Him.
Lord, protect me from false teachings and lies. Help me to understand the truth of Your Word. Let Your truth set me free.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
There are many false teachings in the world. This prayer asks God to help us know the truth by reading His Word. When we understand God’s truth, we are free from confusion and deception.
Lord, fill my heart with joy as I read Your Word. Let me enjoy spending time with You. Make Your Word come alive to me.
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).
Reading the Bible should not feel like a chore. This prayer asks God to make it a joyful experience. It reminds us that God’s Word is a source of happiness and peace.
Lord, let Your Word give me strength today. When I feel weak, remind me of Your promises. Help me to trust You.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7).
Explanation:
Life can make us feel tired and weak, but God’s Word gives us strength. This prayer asks God to use His Word to encourage and uplift us, reminding us that He is our helper in all things.
Lord, thank You for giving me the Bible. Thank You for speaking to me through Your Word. Help me to appreciate the gift of Your guidance.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The Bible is a precious gift. This prayer reminds us to be thankful for the opportunity to read God’s Word and learn from Him. Gratitude helps us approach the Bible with the right attitude.
Final Words
Praying before reading the Bible is important. It prepares your heart, clears your mind, and invites God to help you understand. Each of the prayer points above can guide you as you read and study. Remember, the Bible is not just a book—it is God’s Word, meant to change your life. Pray, read, and grow closer to Him every day.
